A remote experience

Technology is meant to simplify things. While we associate it with smartphones, laptops and 3D, the field encompasses more than just these innovations.

Remote controls can also be classified as technology, but they have been a cumbersome invention with people looking for them all around the house.

Technology is meant to simplify things. While we associate it with smartphones, laptops and 3D, the field encompasses more than just these innovations. Remote controls can also be classified as technology, but they have been a cumbersome invention with people looking for them all around the house. To that effect, universal remote controllers have served as a useful tool. But increasingly even remote controls are also facing the threat of extinction from smartphones. Not only do today’s smartphones provide a browsing, gaming and binge-watching experience, many can also act as a universal remote. Apps to that effect are helping phones do most of the tasks, which we would want to accomplish. Ishaan Gera takes stock of a few apps that can help you avoid that situation of turning your house upside down frantically looking for a remote not to miss that TV show or to switch off your AC.

Peel Remote
One of the best remote apps, Peel beats most of its competitors in terms of variation and accessibility and the range of options it provides. While the remote is not as easy to use, it certainly provides an array of options, the best being the ability to control it using voice. While the ads are pesky and setting up may take some time (it took me 33 attempts to do it for my AC), once set, there aren’t many problems using this device. One can access it using the mainscreen itself and there is no need to open the app time and again to switch channels.

The guide option is the easiest to use and the remote shows which TV show you are watching. So, you don’t even need to juggle between your TV and phone. But if you are comfortable with the voice function, there is nothing like it. Not only does the remote provide the Wi-Fi connected option, but can also do traditional IR operation for older machines.

Anymote Smart Remote
If it is simplicity that you crave, you cannot ask for an easier service than Anymote smart remote. The app is the easiest to set up. There is not much one has to do, but just find the set-top box service or TV or AC and click on the option. There are no insufferable attempts and the remote works perfectly for most schemes. The best feature though is gesture control. You do not need to make a click time and again to access the remote, you can set swipes, double taps and other functions to control what the remote does.

For instance, I set swipe as channel up option and it worked perfectly. The only drawback is the absence of a guide. Though PeelRemote has a cumbersome guide, this one lacks any, which is a must for a set-top box. But if you have the right phone, this one offers you the option of recording your own remote that comes handy in accessing services it doesn’t provide.

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Sure Remote
Sure, on the other hand, while lacking the ease of Anymote and the versatility of Peel, is the best to mimic your actual remote. Not as easy to set up as others, it still is able to complete testing in limited attempts. The remote has the same features as an actual remote does, with the panel easily divided into two parts.

The best part is there is not much learning with this one, as it is exactly similar to an actual remote. More important, it also lets users create custom panels to select their favourite options. Although also available on the scroll panel, Sure loses out on the functionality part, as you will have to look down at the remote time and again to check if you are pressing the right button. But with panel being much neater than Peel, it does have a certain appeal.